On the Brown Low: Top 4 tips for actually getting off campus

The Bruin Club

2 years ago

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Welcome to On the Brown Low—a column dedicated to exploring all that the lovely city of Providence has to offer. Join me, Isabela Karibjanian, as I take you on a tour of all the hidden gems I find off College Hill!

Though I get off College Hill each week for this blog, many of my friends don’t go out and explore Providence as much as they’d like. Want to know how to break out of the College Hill bubble? Keep reading for four of my best tips for how to get off campus.

Find events to attend (that aren’t at Brown)!

In the warmer months, it’s a lot easier to get off College Hill. Outdoor farmer’s markets, flea markets (check out Providence Flea—they consistently have some of the most interesting, eclectic vendors), festivals (Waterfire is a must, but also check out the Hope Street and Thayer Street festivals in the fall and spring), and more are all within walking distance of campus.

Head downtown and watch a Broadway musical at PPAC (Providence Performing Arts Center), or catch a Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra at the Vets. Go see your favorite artists, or a local band at Lupo’s, Fête Music Hall, or the Columbus Theatre. Go to a poetry slam at AS220, or a book reading at Ada books!

If you’re interested in watching professional sports, check out a Providence Bruins (hockey) game downtown at the Dunkin Donuts Center or a Pawsox (baseball) game in nearby Pawtucket.

Treat yourself to a nice meal with friends.

Whether you choose to go out to breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or just dessert, Providence has restaurants aplenty from which to choose. With such an up-and-coming food scene, and established restaurant districts like Federal Hill, there are countless options for a nice dinner out (and one that won’t break the bank, either).

Do some work in a coffee shop (that isn’t Blue State on Thayer or the Underground).

Providence has dozens of hip coffee shops that are all within walking distance of Brown’s campus. Instead of sitting down with your laptop at Blue State on Thayer Street or downstairs in Faunce at the Underground, venture off campus to a local café.

Go for a walk!

Above all else, my favorite way to get to know Providence (or any city for that matter) is to just go for a walk. Whether there’s a destination in mind, or it’s an aimless wander, just walking around the city could help you discover some of your new favorite shops, restaurants, buildings, or parks.

Thanks for following my adventures around town (and out to breakfast) this year! Though I covered a lot on this blog, there’s still so much of Providence to see. Don’t be afraid to go out and explore the city for yourself!

Is there something in Providence that you want to see covered here? Have any suggestions for my next adventure? Send me an email (isabela_karibjanian@brown.edu) to let me know!